[ Whenever Jayden returns to his room at the inn before the gala that evening, the front desk will flag him down claiming that someone has left a package for him.
The box is nondescript but slick in its packaging and design with a silver owl emblazed on the front. Nestled inside its velvet lining is a silver pocket watch, the face of which boasts symbols that look similar to arcana symbols. Opening the watch will reveal the see through watch face, showcasing its cogs and gears. A pleasant, soft ticking sound can be heard if he presses his ear close enough to it. The back is smooth and blank, save for his initials engraved in script.
A card comes with the box written in potentially familiar handwriting. ]
[He is certainly not expecting to get anything a delivery, so is slightly wary upon the Innskeeper handing it off to him, but also very curious as he takes it back to his room. The design on the box doesn't mean anything to him, and so it's only once he carefully opens the box and realizes what the object is that he knows who must have sent it.
It's easily one of the nicest--if not the nicest--gifts he's ever received, not just intrinsically, but because of the little things; the engraving, the note, the thought put into it. He looks over all the details and designs of the watch, listening to the soft ticking noise it makes, as he does the unfamiliar sense of feeling cared about settles in his chest. It's been years since he'd known anyone who would've cared enough to even consider doing something like this, especially when he and Hilda had known each other for... How long has it been? Two months?
He has no real idea of the right way to respond to this--the gift, the sentiment itself, any of it--but resolves to figure out something she might like in return. In the meantime, he will be being very careful to make sure this watch survives longer than the others.]
[Jayden hadn't really been expecting contact of any sort from Crane for awhile, although he isn't exactly bothered by being wrong. He does, however, have to ask--]
Which question?
[There had been a lot of them, some of which Jayden had ignored more than others, so he doesn't know which one Crane's referring to.]
[Now he's purposefully playing dumb, because he'd avoided answering that particular question very intentionally. There had been a reason for it, but the reason's over with, so--]
When Blake finds Jayden, they're out in the world. It's random, or that's what Blake tells himself, but he's freshly shorn, hair short and tidy as it's ever been in Abraxas, and he's got on his most decent clothes. The sun's shining, but the air is cooling and he appreciates the breeze as he falls in line with his friend. Their steps are even and familiar, comforting in a way that Blake's relied upon in some of his darkest times.
"Fancy meetin' you here," Blake says, his cheeky smile as bright as the day. He's starting to feel better โ less encumbered over what has happened in the pit โ and that's part of the reason he's out here. He shoves his hands into hands into his pockets and knocks shoulders with Jayden. "Where you hidin' out these days?" It's not presented with anything more than curiosity, far from an accusation even if a quiet streak between them usually means one of them is dealing with something.
There's a spring in his step, partially because his birthday has come and gone, but there's more to be had than just that small celebration.
Jayden's reclusiveness has been more on the normal side for him, just a product of distraction and overworking, and although that's not necessarily the healthiest way of doing things it's certainly par for the course rather than anything to worry too much about. He's more lost track of time than anything else when it comes to having gone quiet.
So he offers a small grin at the sight of Blake, especially when it becomes apparent that he's in such a good mood. It's a noticeable change, and a very nice one.
"Little of everywhere. Not just my room or the Horizon." Just, you know, for the record. Sure, he's definitely been spending time both places--a lot of time, actually--but he's also been elsewhere, including where they've met up here on the streets of Cadens. He's returning from one of the magic lessons he'd finally signed up for, and although he's only had a few so far, his ego may have been bolstered a little by the teacher's declaration that he's a fast learner.
So he's in a good mood too, returning the shoulder bump, if slightly late. "You seem happy. Anythin' I should know about?" His tone is right on the line between genuine and teasing, but definitely meant as the latter.
That Jayden feels it's necessary to identify that he'd been more than two places only strengthens Blake's amusement. He barely tamps down a grin, even laughing gently as he gets nudged in return. It feels good, even if he can't entirely put a pin on why.
"What, like I won the lottery or somethin'? Nah, sorry, not rich yet," he says, although that would be kind of nice. Maybe he'd retire, or maybe he'd just spread around the wealth and keep working. Arguably, he hardly knows how to do much else these days. Something he thinks Jayden can relate to.
His eyes turn skyward, squinting against the light. He can blame his friends for some of this fortune, a fact that he won't be forgetting any time soon.
"Guess I'm just feelin' good today. Woke up on the right side of the bed," Blake adds, although his bed's against the wall so it's always waking up on the same side. "Finally. Only took me eight months. Thought I might celebrate my newfound confidence and stylish trim."
"Do they have the lottery here?" Jayden asks, and then almost adds a stupid joke about how if they do it'd probably be more a The Lottery sort of thing, but that's a little morbid for the light mood and even he can recognize that. Besides, he's much more distracted by--
"Eight months?" It's been eight months? He'd stopped keeping track a few months ago, but quick mental math confirms it, as hard as it is to believe. Okay. No need to have some sort of existential crisis until it's actually been a year or something, so moving on, just ignore the surprise. "The uh, the new look's workin' for you though. Didn't want to say it before, but I'm not sure grunge was your style."
He's joking, of course. Was it even grunge? Who cares, not like Jayden knows anything about styles, and the sentiment's what matters. Right? Right.
"Man, how have you not gotten outta here yet? Mag's gonna start puttin' you on the manifests if you're not careful," Blake says, entering without fanfare into Jayden's little neck of the woods. In days past, when they'd both been staying here, they'd seen each other in passing; now, with Blake in his own place and booth doing their own thing, it requires a little more purposefulness to share each other's company.
For Blake, the last couple weeks have been a trial. He'd disappeared into the desert for a couple days to visit Geralt, and upon returning had put his head down to focus on his own shit for a while (possibly out of guilt, maybe also a bit because he feels over-involved and lingering on the brink of becoming political about it).
He sits, making himself at home, but he's got a pair of gloves in hand and is clearly eyeing Jayden with his I need a favor look.
"I'm not makin' nearly enough money for it to be worth movin' out. Not while Mags is willin' to put up with my wildly inconsistant bartending, anyway." Though he has a suspicion it's more that he's very tall and can therefore easily reach things stocked on the top shelves, but whatever.
Jayden's room is neither messy nor pristine, riding the line in the middle mostly because he doesn't have all that many things in it. Despite his constant whining about paperwork, most of the evidence someone is living here is made up of papers, notepads, and library books.
It's nice to get a visit from Blake, especially since it's been awhile--maybe since the Nether, but Jayden doesn't want to think about that and so he doesn't--but Jayden can't help but think there must be a reason for it other than a social call. Especially since it really isn't that difficult to read Blake's expression at this point.
Blake rolls his eyes at Jayden's excuses, but there's no judgement there; he'd probably still have a room at the Inn if it weren't for his interest in avoiding Crane. Despite that, it would be nice to see his friend flourish a bit, and if not for the awkward shuffling he'd done around the other man, he'd straight up offer to split the rent. Of all the people he could imagine sharing a space, Jayden seems the least inoffensive. Sure, Blake's urge to tidy is there, even now, but he understands the reason and method behind this madness more than most.
"Tips never do pay the bills for guys like us," he muses, a thin grin on his face. He's lately thought a lot about Jayden (and Reilly), worried it would give him pause when they reconvened. Thankfully that doesn't seem to be the case here, which is quite the relief for someone like Blake who doesn't like to admit to having friends, let alone missing them.
He gestures for Jayden to come closer, pulling out the gloves to show them off one at a time. They're leather, dyed black, and the finish is less-than-precise, which probably means it's obvious that Blake's made them. Recently, he's turned from sewing fabric to sewing leather. He's learning to tan and thin and piece and dye, and while the heavier cord and manual seaming means more callouses on his hands, he feels pretty proud of himself for using the castoff parts of those beasts brought in from the desert for something more than just scrap.
"Here," Blake says, reaching for Jayden's hand. Will the glove fit? He's not so sure, but they're about to find out.
No chance for awkwardness or pause or anything else if he completely pretends the whole thing in the Nether never happened, right? Right. Jayden is very talented at repressing things he doesn't want to face, and that particular issue is at the very top of his list, so he hasn't even considered taking another approach.
Curious, he moves a little closer when Blake indicates for him to do so, and lets Blake take his hand without hesitation other than a little confusion. But he's quickly taking in the appearance of the gloves, noting the details and matching them up with the situation, suddenly realizing he thinks he knows what's going on but still slightly perplexed.
"Did you make these?" It seems the easier and less pathetic question, especially since as the glove does fit onto Jayden's hand--which is not the same size as Blake's--the other question seems mostly answered. Even if he's still somehow questioning it all the same.
I got rain checked. Which sounds like "the twelfth of never." I think they might have only agreed because they were under the influence and I'm dressed like a slut.
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timeasmymeasure
โ 4/22
Date: 2023-04-17 06:37 am (UTC)The box is nondescript but slick in its packaging and design with a silver owl emblazed on the front. Nestled inside its velvet lining is a silver pocket watch, the face of which boasts symbols that look similar to arcana symbols. Opening the watch will reveal the see through watch face, showcasing its cogs and gears. A pleasant, soft ticking sound can be heard if he presses his ear close enough to it. The back is smooth and blank, save for his initials engraved in script.
A card comes with the box written in potentially familiar handwriting. ]
[not here but FEELINGS]
Date: 2023-04-19 12:50 am (UTC)It's easily one of the nicest--if not the nicest--gifts he's ever received, not just intrinsically, but because of the little things; the engraving, the note, the thought put into it. He looks over all the details and designs of the watch, listening to the soft ticking noise it makes, as he does the unfamiliar sense of feeling cared about settles in his chest. It's been years since he'd known anyone who would've cared enough to even consider doing something like this, especially when he and Hilda had known each other for... How long has it been? Two months?
He has no real idea of the right way to respond to this--the gift, the sentiment itself, any of it--but resolves to figure out something she might like in return. In the meantime, he will be being very careful to make sure this watch survives longer than the others.]
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Date: 2023-07-05 06:24 am (UTC)Most people would feel too accountable, too answerable. Crane feels neither remorse nor guilt, just curiosity about one small thing.]
You never did elaborate on your answer to my question.
[About the Fey.]
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Date: 2023-07-05 06:35 am (UTC)Which question?
[There had been a lot of them, some of which Jayden had ignored more than others, so he doesn't know which one Crane's referring to.]
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Date: 2023-07-05 06:40 am (UTC)Well, there was certainly more than one left unanswered, but let's start with the Fey.
[You never did answer his questions about their motives, Norman!]
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Date: 2023-07-05 06:48 am (UTC)[Now he's purposefully playing dumb, because he'd avoided answering that particular question very intentionally. There had been a reason for it, but the reason's over with, so--]
I think you're right to question their motives.
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Date: 2023-08-10 12:07 am (UTC)[ Blake has seen some of the back and forth regarding the Pit and he's having none of it. No thanks. ]
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Date: 2023-08-10 12:17 am (UTC)[He's pretty sure that's what Blake means, and he may be stalling before giving an answer he won't like.]
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Date: 2023-10-09 06:22 pm (UTC)"Fancy meetin' you here," Blake says, his cheeky smile as bright as the day. He's starting to feel better โ less encumbered over what has happened in the pit โ and that's part of the reason he's out here. He shoves his hands into hands into his pockets and knocks shoulders with Jayden. "Where you hidin' out these days?" It's not presented with anything more than curiosity, far from an accusation even if a quiet streak between them usually means one of them is dealing with something.
There's a spring in his step, partially because his birthday has come and gone, but there's more to be had than just that small celebration.
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Date: 2023-10-15 01:47 am (UTC)So he offers a small grin at the sight of Blake, especially when it becomes apparent that he's in such a good mood. It's a noticeable change, and a very nice one.
"Little of everywhere. Not just my room or the Horizon." Just, you know, for the record. Sure, he's definitely been spending time both places--a lot of time, actually--but he's also been elsewhere, including where they've met up here on the streets of Cadens. He's returning from one of the magic lessons he'd finally signed up for, and although he's only had a few so far, his ego may have been bolstered a little by the teacher's declaration that he's a fast learner.
So he's in a good mood too, returning the shoulder bump, if slightly late. "You seem happy. Anythin' I should know about?" His tone is right on the line between genuine and teasing, but definitely meant as the latter.
screams at my typos, tho
Date: 2023-10-15 03:30 am (UTC)"What, like I won the lottery or somethin'? Nah, sorry, not rich yet," he says, although that would be kind of nice. Maybe he'd retire, or maybe he'd just spread around the wealth and keep working. Arguably, he hardly knows how to do much else these days. Something he thinks Jayden can relate to.
His eyes turn skyward, squinting against the light. He can blame his friends for some of this fortune, a fact that he won't be forgetting any time soon.
"Guess I'm just feelin' good today. Woke up on the right side of the bed," Blake adds, although his bed's against the wall so it's always waking up on the same side. "Finally. Only took me eight months. Thought I might celebrate my newfound confidence and stylish trim."
if it makes you feel any better I legit didn't notice
Date: 2023-10-15 03:45 am (UTC)"Eight months?" It's been eight months? He'd stopped keeping track a few months ago, but quick mental math confirms it, as hard as it is to believe. Okay. No need to have some sort of existential crisis until it's actually been a year or something, so moving on, just ignore the surprise. "The uh, the new look's workin' for you though. Didn't want to say it before, but I'm not sure grunge was your style."
He's joking, of course. Was it even grunge? Who cares, not like Jayden knows anything about styles, and the sentiment's what matters. Right? Right.
clearly I didn't notice the first time either lol
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Date: 2023-12-14 03:32 am (UTC)For Blake, the last couple weeks have been a trial. He'd disappeared into the desert for a couple days to visit Geralt, and upon returning had put his head down to focus on his own shit for a while (possibly out of guilt, maybe also a bit because he feels over-involved and lingering on the brink of becoming political about it).
He sits, making himself at home, but he's got a pair of gloves in hand and is clearly eyeing Jayden with his I need a favor look.
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Date: 2023-12-14 03:48 am (UTC)Jayden's room is neither messy nor pristine, riding the line in the middle mostly because he doesn't have all that many things in it. Despite his constant whining about paperwork, most of the evidence someone is living here is made up of papers, notepads, and library books.
It's nice to get a visit from Blake, especially since it's been awhile--maybe since the Nether, but Jayden doesn't want to think about that and so he doesn't--but Jayden can't help but think there must be a reason for it other than a social call. Especially since it really isn't that difficult to read Blake's expression at this point.
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Date: 2023-12-14 04:29 am (UTC)"Tips never do pay the bills for guys like us," he muses, a thin grin on his face. He's lately thought a lot about Jayden (and Reilly), worried it would give him pause when they reconvened. Thankfully that doesn't seem to be the case here, which is quite the relief for someone like Blake who doesn't like to admit to having friends, let alone missing them.
He gestures for Jayden to come closer, pulling out the gloves to show them off one at a time. They're leather, dyed black, and the finish is less-than-precise, which probably means it's obvious that Blake's made them. Recently, he's turned from sewing fabric to sewing leather. He's learning to tan and thin and piece and dye, and while the heavier cord and manual seaming means more callouses on his hands, he feels pretty proud of himself for using the castoff parts of those beasts brought in from the desert for something more than just scrap.
"Here," Blake says, reaching for Jayden's hand. Will the glove fit? He's not so sure, but they're about to find out.
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Date: 2023-12-14 04:43 am (UTC)Curious, he moves a little closer when Blake indicates for him to do so, and lets Blake take his hand without hesitation other than a little confusion. But he's quickly taking in the appearance of the gloves, noting the details and matching them up with the situation, suddenly realizing he thinks he knows what's going on but still slightly perplexed.
"Did you make these?" It seems the easier and less pathetic question, especially since as the glove does fit onto Jayden's hand--which is not the same size as Blake's--the other question seems mostly answered. Even if he's still somehow questioning it all the same.
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Date: 2024-01-11 09:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-01-12 12:32 am (UTC)I guess it's a good sign that there hasn't been anything pressing enough to come to mind so far?
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Date: 2024-01-19 01:46 am (UTC)no subject
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From:I saw everything
From:a l a s you're now Jason or whatever I typoed I forget
From:I think it was jayson which is already funny but jason is another character in his canon so bonus
From:I rewatched Star Trek Beyond recently so Jaylah
From:also works
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From:during EPULUM
Date: 2024-03-03 01:43 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2024-03-03 07:32 pm (UTC)What happened?
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Date: 2024-03-03 10:10 pm (UTC)